The charity event at Saumarez Park was packed with people eager to see the 12 donkeys race around the course.
There were 19 young horse and pony riders, who all weighed less than eight stone, recruited to ride the donkeys in the races.
Among them were cousins Elsie Argo and Maiya Batiste, both 12.
Elsie said this was her second year riding in the derby.
‘It’s been really good,’ she said.
‘They are more slippery than horses, but it has been fun.’
A few riders struggled in the races because the donkeys, which are brought over specially for the event, do not have saddles, leaving it down to the balance of the riders and the good nature of the donkey for the race to go smoothly.
A few suffered falls around the course, but all were keen to cross the line, even if it was on foot.
Lions Club past president Rob Holder was among the couple of dozen volunteers working to ensure the day went smoothly.
‘It’s been going very well,’ he said.
‘There have been weeks and weeks of preparation.
‘It’s been a big team effort.’
The event raises money for the Lions Club, which is then distributed to local causes.
There was a range of entertainment and treats on offer.
However, the longer queues were at the Crown & Anchor stall and the tote.
In the queue for the tote were Hazel Tostevin and her granddaughter Elexis Gauvain, nine, clutching some pound notes, ready for a flutter.
‘We always come down to the Donkey Derby,’ Mrs Tostevin said.
‘I’ve got my lucky number for betting. I think this is a great event and so well organised.’
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